US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 3.6
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, Asia's leading security forum, Minister Austin said that open lines of communication between the defense and military leadership of the United States and China play an important role in preventing conflict and enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific.
"I am deeply concerned that China is not willing to engage more seriously in better mechanisms to manage crises between our militaries," Austin said at SLD on June 3.6, the second day of the annual event organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS, based in London).
"The more we talk, the more we can avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations that could potentially lead to crisis or conflict," he said.
US-China tensions expected to dominate Asia security conference Shangri-La Dialogue
According to the Pentagon, Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu this week refused to hold bilateral talks with Austin on the sidelines of the SLD at the request of the US side. But the two defense ministers shook hands when they met in Singapore on June 2.6, although they did not talk for too long.
“A cordial handshake at dinner is no substitute for substantive contact… America is not looking for a new Cold War. Competition should never be allowed to turn into conflict,” Austin said.
General Ly, who has been sanctioned by Washington, is scheduled to speak at the SLD on June 4.6.
In a statement sent to Reuters on June 2.6, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said contact between China and the US is beneficial for promoting mutual understanding.
"However, now the US says it wants to dialogue with the Chinese side while still trying to suppress China in any way possible and continue to impose sanctions on Chinese officials, organizations and companies," the statement said, asking "Is there any sincerity and meaning in this type of communication?"
US invites defense ministers meeting, China refuses
Earlier, the Ministry of National Defense of China spoke out about Minister Li Shangfu "refusing" to meet Mr. Austin in Singapore. According to spokesman Dam Kha Phi, in fact exchanges between the two countries' militaries were "not interrupted", but "dialogue cannot be without principles" and Washington must take responsibility.
“The current difficulties in exchanges between the militaries of the two countries are entirely on the US side. On the one hand, the US says it wants to strengthen communication, on the other hand, ignores China's concerns, erecting barriers and seriously eroding trust between the two militaries," Mr.
Also in remarks at the SLD on June 3.6, Austin said the US is determined to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes from both sides. “Conflict is not imminent, nor is it inevitable. Today's level of deterrence is very strong and it's our job to keep it that way," Austin said.
The Pentagon chief also said that Chinese President Xi Jinping is unlikely to have made a decision on when to use force to "reunify" Taiwan, an island that the government in Beijing considers its territory. According to forecasts of US defense officials, this time may be 2027.
President Xi Jinping urges China to prepare for the 'worst case'
Referring to the AUKUS alliance between the US, Australia and the UK, Mr. Austin said that this agreement helps to enhance stability and security in the region. Under the deal, Canberra will spend $250 billion over three decades to build a fleet of nuclear submarines with the help of Washington and London. Beijing has criticized the cooperation, saying the agreement violates efforts to combat nuclear proliferation globally.
